In December last year, we informed you about a devaluation of Hilton Honors points. Unfortunately, just six months later, it’s happened again—this time with an even more significant impact, as the cap for standard room redemptions has increased from 150,000 to 200,000 points. Even more concerning is that this increase appears to be a flat adjustment, disproportionately affecting high-end Hilton properties where the impact is particularly severe.
Award Cost Increases
Some of the most notable increases in Hilton Honors award pricing range from 20,000 to 50,000 points per night, depending on the property. When combined with the previous devaluation from late last year, the overall impact on certain high-end hotels is substantial.
Take the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal as an example. In 2023, a standard room could be booked for 120,000 points per night. Following the December 2024 devaluation, that increased to 140,000 points. Now, the same standard room costs 190,000 points per night — a staggering 58% increase in just over a year.
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives, one of Hilton’s most luxurious properties, was long available for the previous cap of 150,000 points per night. Today, a standard room redemption there will cost 200,000 points — the new maximum.
All Hilton properties in the Maldives have been significantly affected, e.g.:
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has gone from 120,000 to 140,000 points per night,
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa has jumped from 110,000 to 130,000 points per night.
The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, which was previously bookable for 130,000 points per night, now requires 150,000 points for a standard room redemption.
Interestingly, the Waldorf Astoria New York, which is set to reopen in September after a long renovation, is still priced at 150,000 points per night for a standard room redemption.
Let’s Talk Strategy — How to Maximize Hilton Honors Points Despite the Changes
While recent devaluations may be discouraging, there are still smart strategies to make the most of your Hilton Honors points.
First, it’s clear that hoarding points is no longer a wise strategy. With continued increases in redemption rates and the potential for further devaluations, Hilton Honors points are not a long-term investment. Instead of letting them sit idle, use them while they still hold strong value — especially if you have a dream trip or aspirational hotel stay in mind. The best time to redeem is now.
Here are a few key ways to maximize your redemptions:
🔓 Use Free Night Certificates
Hilton’s Free Night Reward Certificates remain uncapped, which means you can still redeem them at high-end properties — even those now priced at 150,000 or 200,000 points per night. These certificates are a powerful tool for luxury stays without spending a single point.
🏖️ Take Advantage of the Fifth Night Free
When booking award stays of five consecutive nights, Hilton gives the fifth night free for Silver, Gold, and Diamond members. This effectively reduces the average nightly cost by 20% — a great way to stretch your points further.
💳 Leverage Hilton Credit Card Benefits
Hilton’s co-branded credit cards offer valuable perks, including:
Generous welcome bonuses that can replenish your points balance quickly
Free night certificates with some premium cards
Bonus points for spending in categories like Hilton stays, dining, and groceries
Using these benefits strategically can help offset rising redemption costs and keep your travel plans on track.
Conclusion
Hilton Honors’ recent changes to award pricing are disappointing—especially as they come just six months after the previous devaluation. The impact is particularly significant at high-end Hilton properties, where redemption rates have increased sharply. Most notably, the cap for standard room redemptions has been raised from 150,000 to 200,000 points per night, marking a substantial shift in the program’s value proposition.
That said, there are still opportunities to get good value from your points — if you redeem wisely. To help you decide whether it’s better to pay with points or cash, we’ve included a comparison tool that lets you evaluate hotel prices versus point values HERE. This will empower you to make informed booking decisions and ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your next stay.
